HP Spectre X2 Review: A Core m Powered Surface Alternative

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User Experience and Software

Using the HP Spectre X2 proved to be a generally very enjoyable experience. Although it’s built around a relatively low-power processor, the Spectre X2 never feels like some previous-gen midrange machines. The Core m7 is a potent dual-core / quad-thread CPU, that’s more than capable of churning though every day computing tasks.

The Core m7 at the heart of the particular model we tested may not be as powerful as a higher-end Core i-series processor, but for office-type tasks, browsing the web, and tooling around the machine, you’d never know it. It’s only when placed under a long, sustained workload (like the Cinbench test you’ll see a little later) that the Core m can’t quite keep up.

The materials used to build the Spectre X2 also exude quality. Typing on the detachable keyboard and navigating on the screen with touch is as good as an experience as we have had with a hybrid device like this. As we’ve mentioned, the touch-pad isn’t stellar, but it is significantly better than the vast majority of mainstream notebooks out there. If you’ve got issues with “lap-ability” with a hybrid device that’s not as rigid as a true clamshell, those will still apply with the Spectre X2, however.

In terms of software, HP has done a commendable job. The installation of Windows 10 on the Spectre X2 is clean and mostly uncluttered. The only additional software installed is a McAfee LiveSafe 30-day trial offer, which doesn’t nag users much at all, some Microsoft Games, Netflix, and a link to buy Microsoft Office. The machine is not completely free from bloat, but it is pretty darn clean.